Esophageal biopsy from a patient with candida esophagitis showing acutely inflamed squamous mucosa. The fungal hyphae are difficult to appreciate but were readily seen with GMS stain (see slide 15).
About the Disease
Esophageal infections can be caused by fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. The most common agents are Candida, Herpes Simplex Virus, and Cytomegalovirus. In South America, Trypanosoma cruzi is an important cause of esophagitis leading to megaesophagus.